Mount Morgan (13,748') and Fall Colors (10.06.2012)

Found some bear cub tracks along the trail but never saw the little guy (or momma)

The junction towards Francis Lake. It's hard to see the trail, but there is a sign now.

Our first view of Mt Morgan, that point in the distance.

Francis Lake and Mount Morgan. If you're doing this peak you'll be really tempted to follow the lake inlet, but don't - you'll get bouldered out. Head up the ridge to the right of the lake. Many routes.

Looking back on Lake Francis from our scramble up the ridge.

Mt Morgan from the top of this first ridge.

From the top of the first ridge we can see our route. Looks a bit sketchy but they always do from a distance.

Sooz working her way through the boulders - this was actually the worst part - once you get up the ridge cut over to the sandier terrain though some boulders, or maybe a better route if you can find it.

Looking back towards Tamarack Flat

We found some use trails in the sand.

From the ridge you'll see a mid-range high point, but stay low to the saddle on its left (mid-picture).

At the saddle. The next part of the route is out of view but I hope it goes. Contour around the high point from here.

Looking back from the saddle.

After a few hundred feet the rest of the route comes into view. From here, just angle up the slope towards the low point. The terrain is easy and simple - sand, dirt, and small flat rocks.

Once you hit the ridge the awesome views appear!

Views! Woo!

Looking up the final ridge to the summit. From a distance it looked gnarly but it was pretty easy to pick a route through the rocks that was solid dirt, and when we had to rock hop they were pretty good and flat.

Looking back down the ridge, Rock Creek Lake in the middle (trailhead)

Sooz enjoying the view into Rock Creek (Mt Starr across the way)

Looking back down the ridge. Parked at the lake, hiked up to the plateau on the right, then up to the little lake at the green line on the right, and up to the rocky ridge.

Climbing up the ridge.

Sweet views from this almost-14er

Hm, straight down to Little Lakes Valley maybe?

We pop over the final edge and finally see the summit.

Good shot of the terrain - really easy. I think this peak is 90% class 1, though I did use my hands on a few short rock hops.

View towards Broken Finger Peak and Wheeler Ridge

Almost to the summit, looking back down the final climb.

Looking south from the summit - Mt Tom and Humphreys are a nice view from here!